All the Kayak Camping Gear You Will Need and Some You Won’t
Like everything, choosing what camping gear to take depends on a number of things, probably none of them as significant as personal preference. What you will take and how much will also be determined by how long your trip is, where you are going and the carrying capacity of your kayak. Kayaks, especially the larger expedition models, can carry a lot of gear so it is easy to get carried away, but you can also camp in relative luxury compared to what you might be used to backpacking.
The key thing when packing for your paddling trip is not to forget anything. Minor things may not matter, but a missed sleeping bag or a forgotten camp stove can be disastrous not only for the sake of your comfort but for your safety as well. A good list is essential. Make a list, make sure you check everything off before you leave. Review your list once in a while and eliminate the things you aren’t using and add any new items.
Shelter
- Tent or Bivouac Sack or Hammock
- Ground Sheet/Footprint for Tent
- Tarp – Poles, pegs, rope
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Sleeping Pad
- Pillow/pillow case
- Bear Spray
- Extra Rope
- Camp Chair
- Solar Shower
- Repair Kit – sewing kit, fabric repair tape, tent pole repair, aqua seal, etc
- Dry Bags
Kitchen
- Camp Stove
- Fuel for Stove
- Cutting Board
- Kitchen Knife
- Plates/Bowls
- Wine Glass
- Cup
- Pots/Pans
- Pot Gripper
- Eating Utensils
- Cooking Utensils
- Can Opener
- Coffee Maker/Filters
- Lighter/Matches
- Collapsible Saw
- Axe/Hatchet/Machete
- Lantern – Candle or LED
- Salt/Pepper
- Dish Soap
- Dish Sponge/Scrubber
- Water Storage
- Water Filtration Kit
- Trash Bag
- Extra Zip-Lock Freezer Bags
- Bear Bag Kit for hanging food with 30’ ¼” line
- Dry Bags for Food
Personal
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Razor
- Sunglasses/eyeglass Cleaner & Cloth
- Soap/washcloth
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper
- Insect Repellent
- Insect Head-Net
- Flashlight/Headlamp
- Spare batteries
- Notebook/pen/pencil
- Multi-tool
- Solar Charger/external charger for electronics
- Dry Bags for Gear
Remember: Make a List and Check it Twice (Or more times).
